New manager begins at Pass It On thrift store

Published August 8, 2012 at 2:56 pm

Every time you make a purchase at the Pass It On thrift store in downtown Cambridge, you are supporting victims of domestic violence.
Corky Nundahl is excited to be the new manager of Pass It On thrift store located in downtown Cambridge. Photos by Rachel Kytonen

Corky Nundahl, thrift store manager and volunteer services supervisor, began with The Refuge Network in early July. She explained that all proceeds from Pass It On help support the financial need of Black Dog Shelter, which is The Refuge’s domestic violence shelter for women and children.

The Refuge Network is a multi-community organization whose primary purpose is to provide supportive services for people who are currently involved in or have been in an abusive relationship. All services provided by The Refuge are free and confidential, and are available to people in Isanti, Chisago and Kanabec counties.

Black Dog Shelter, located between Isanti and Chisago counties, has housed over 500 women and children since its opening in February 2009, and is the only shelter within a 5,500 square mile area. The average stay for women and children is 29 days.

Nundahl joined The Refuge after working for the Pearl Crisis Center’s thrift store in Milaca the past six years.

“My passion really is thrift stores,” Nundahl said. “I enjoy working for a non profit organization that is really for a good cause. I would describe myself as a thrift store junkie. I buy all my clothes from thrift stores.”
Pass It On thrift store offers a wide variety of items such as clothing, books, toys, household items, household decor and more.

Nundahl said Pass It On can always use more volunteers for a variety of tasks.

“I really like the people I work with, and especially the volunteers,” Nundahl said. “We are always looking for more volunteers in the store, the shelter or in the office. If someone wants to volunteer, we will find a place for them.”

Nundahl said Pass It On is concentrating on putting out good, quality merchandise at reasonable prices.

“We are focusing on keeping new items on the floor, and pricing things at great prices,” Nundahl said. “We are also offering more sales to attract more customers.”

Pass It On will also be open during the Cambridge Downtown Customer Appreciation event held the evening of Friday, Sept. 14 and will also be open later in the evening during Cambridge City-Wide Garage Sale Day on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“We will be open later on Aug. 15, so we welcome people to bring in items that may not have sold at their garage sale during the day,” Nundahl mentioned.

Shellene Johnson with The Refuge noted, “Corky has been doing a great job. Sales are up and we are happy with her.”

Pass It On thrift store is located at 138 Main Street in Cambridge, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning Sept. 1, the store will open at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Donations are accepted during normal business hours (electronics, furniture and televisions are not accepted at this time).

For more information on Pass It On, or to volunteer with The Refuge Network, call Corky Nundahl at 763-220-9886. You can also find Pass It On thrift store on Facebook.

The Refuge Network offers a 24-hour toll free crisis hotline at 1.800.338.SAFE (7233). More information on The Refuge Network can be found at www.therefugenetwork.org.

Black Dog Hill Shelter Donation Drive

Pass It On thrift store is having a special donation drive for Black Dog Hill Shelter. Donate any of the following new and unopened items and receive a coupon good for $3 off your next purchase: